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Orthodox Judaism/Questions Answered by Expert Rabbi Yechezkel Fox
| Subject | Date Asked |
| genesis | 1/14/2012 |
| Q: Could you tell me why there seems to be two accounts of Genesis in the torah? Are the events of ... A: The first account is a very brief description of creation just for us to have the knowledge that G-d ... | |
| moshiach | 12/22/2011 |
| Q: peace! I would like to know whether the moshiach has to be of the physical seed of david to fulfill ... A: Yes he does have to be from the physical seed of David. David had 18 wives so there are many ... | |
| first food in paradise | 12/17/2011 |
| Q: What will be the first food given in paradise? regards, A: Here is the menu for the first meal in paradise:- Behemoth (some kind of special meat) Livyason ... | |
| jacob and esau | 11/26/2011 |
| Q: Why does Esau need to trick Isaac? Also if it was G-d's plan all along for Jacob to get teh ... A: In general the conflict between Esau and Jacob represents the conflict between their descendants (ie ... | |
| quiescence | 11/22/2011 |
| Q: peace of G-d! I was wondering why G-d does not speak to His people as in the days before and during ... A: We now live in exile and do not deserve prophecy. When the Temple was up it was a time that the ... | |
| Anthropomorphisms | 11/16/2011 |
| Q: Why did He tell Abraham "[b]Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah has come before me and their sins ... A: G-d expresses it this why to teach us a lesson. In this case it is a lesson to judges of capital ... | |
| Bris | 11/6/2011 |
| Q: How mandatory is metzitza b'peh? Can the blood be let in any other way and still satisfy the ... A: Metzitza b'peh is completely mandatory as codified in the Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 269/3. In fact, ... | |
| genesis 1:27 | 9/7/2011 |
| Q: I have wondered about this for a long time. After having read reread and studied I still can not ... A: Firstly the Hebrew is not a translation, it is the original. The word oto means him and the word ... | |
| Meaning of a name + way to spell it | 9/4/2011 |
| Q: First of all i would like to mention that thank G-D I'm pregnant . My husband and I have been ... A: To be honest I am not familiar with the name Lyelle. All I know is that girls are called Leah and ... | |
| Interpretation of Hebrew in the Bible | 9/1/2011 |
| Q: Yesterday I was a guest on a talk radio program discussing why Jews do not accept Jesus as the ... A: Firstly sorry for my slow response, I was stuck in the States due to the hurricane and cancelation ... | |
| Temples | 8/1/2011 |
| Q: I'm looking for an in depth explanation of modern (as in today, not as in a particular group) ... A: I can only answer you according to what I know from authentic Jewish sources, everything else is ... | |
| Existance of G-d | 7/24/2011 |
| Q: I have been having doubts about the existance of G-d. I have believed in G-d for most of my 70 ... A: I learn and teach in a Yeshiva where Torah is studied day and night. This hasn't stopped since the ... | |
| holiness | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: What does it mean to be holy? A: The word in Hebrew for holy is Kodosh and it has different (although similar) meanings depending on ... | |
| hair | 6/21/2011 |
| Q: Can you help me out trying to understand how G_d looks at hair. I always thought that Israelite men ... A: Short hair is prefered. A practical reason is so the tefilin worn on the head will sit well. Short ... | |
| Hallelujah | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: Shalom! Why do the psalms end with with Hallelujah instead of Amen? When to say Hallelujah and when ... A: Hallelukah means "Praise G-d", so The Psalms if ending off with a general praise of G-d. Amen is ... | |
| A.A. and false gods | 3/2/2011 |
| Q: I am in alcoholics anonymous and many of the people rely on false gods to get them sober and yet the ... A: You could ask the same question about someone going to a doctor for a cure and he only believes in ... | |
| The Concept of Son of G-d | 3/2/2011 |
| Q: Salam Rabbi, Is the coming Messiah considered (called) as son of G-d from judaism perspective? Do ... A: The Messiah means the annointed one. He will be the King of Israel, a descendent of David. As a ... | |
| Amos 5:26 The Star | 2/26/2011 |
| Q: I was wondering does Amos 5:26 speak of the star of David? In my recent studies I have found that ... A: I have heard that the star of Dovid originates from the verse in Samuel 1 16/18 where David is said ... | |
| Sin | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: I'm happy you are well and still available. It has been a long time since I have asked a question. ... A: The word used in the verse for sin is "chatas". I am not familiar with the interpretation you ... | |
| Messiah and Sabbath | 12/28/2010 |
| Q: I have been reading Elie Wiesel's "The Town Beyond the Wall", and in the first part of the book, ... A: This appears to me to be inaccurate. This does not occur with the coming of the Messiah, but rather ... | |
| X-mas | 12/10/2010 |
| Q: What do you think of Jews being actively and openly involved with X-mas? For years the local ... A: Jews should not be involved with X-mas or give donations to Christian causes. We can be open minded ... | |
| Tanakh canonical books | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: Salam Rabbi, I've known that u don't recognize all old testament books that adopted by christians ... A: Tenach is an acronym for Torah, Ne'viim and Kusuvim. Torah is the Five Books of Moses, Neviim are ... | |
| Stoning. | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: Stoning was allowed, even commanded for certain offenses in the Mosaic Law. Why stoning? It seems ... A: There are 4 ways of types of capital punishment in the Torah: Stoning,strangulation,burning, and ... | |
| jewish customs and traditions | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: what is the jewish law as given by god and then what are man made jewish customs and traditions; how ... A: There is no quick answer to this question. It takes a vaste amount of study to know what is what in ... | |
| Canaan Curse | 10/2/2010 |
| Q: Salam Rabbi, After i searched a lot for a convenient answer, i decided to ask a rabbi because surely ... A: It is only hinted at in the Torah which is what I tried to point out in #8. Jews have a vast oral ... | |
| Question? | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: Shalom Rabbi Yechezkel, may G-d bless you always! I have two questions: When the Torah, (and I hope ... A: Sorry for the delay in responding. An angel of G-d is a heavenly being sent by G-d. Sometimes it is ... | |
| bible | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: 1 Samuel 6:19 He struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had looked into the ark of ... A: Firstly let me apologise for my late response (computer issues). In the times of the Bible G-d used ... | |
| oaths and vows... | 8/13/2010 |
| Q: according to the torah's definitions of the terms, is there a difference between an oath and a vow? ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering. You are .... wrong. An oath (shavua) is made on the person i.e. I ... | |
| How Levites made a living | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: Can you help me understand if a Levite was only a priest when they did their duty in the temple? ... A: Levites in general were not priests, only those descended from Aaron. The levites hand certain ... | |
| the word "one" in Deut: 6:4 in hebrew meaning. | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: Greetings Rabbi, my name is Rev. Dan Thompson, I was writing for the first time to see if someone ... A: Thompson, Sorry for the delay in replying. It means that all the different manifestations of G-d ... | |
| Jewish stories re-branded as Islamic | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: A few years ago I used to attend Hebrew lessons and the teacher would quote some biblical or ... A: Well you were right, it was about David, but not with a pigeon rather a spider. This is the ... | |
| biblical hermeneutic | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: Is hermenuetical method a part of the binding oral tradition given on Mt. Sinai, or was this ... A: This a very fundamental question. It is best been dealt with by a book called Anvil OF Sinai by ... | |
| loaning money...I | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: i read in the torah that there is a holiday where all debts are cancelled. but whats to stop someone ... A: In order for there to be a borrower there has to be a lender. The Torah commands us not to ignore ... | |
| law of moses | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: Can you please explain to me what is meant by the Tabernacle of the Congregation? It seems that ... A: It will help to switch to the Hebrew terms. Mishkan is usually translated as the the Tabernacle. ... | |
| wars... | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: besides the wars carried out in the bible, are there records of any wars carried out by jews ... A: There was a war with the Greeks. The Chasmonayim, priests descended from Aaron, led a rebellion ... | |
| Research on the 12 tribes of Israel | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: Rabbi, Can you tell me what the main economic functions were of each of the twelve tribes. In ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering. Here are some of them that I know:- Asher --- Olives Gad and ... | |
| Spirit vs body | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: I hope this question doesn't sound stupid. But in reading the Torah I am confused. G_d is a spirit ... A: It is a very critical and essential belief of Judaism that G-d has no physical properties at all. ... | |
| 1st Haircut for Boys | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: Can you give me info on the ceremonial significance of the first haircut for Orthodox boys? I am ... A: According to our tradition an embryo learns the whole Torah from an angel while it is in the womb. ... | |
| the asheret hadibroit | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: Why are there ten dibrot? Is there a certain punishment for transgressing one of these mitzvot? ... A: The 10 dibrot correspond to the 10 utterances of creation. These mitzvot are the roots to all the ... | |
| My question! | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: I do not seek an answer to this message. I just want you to know that, because of my support for the ... A: The references I am aware of in the Talmud refer to JC as Oso Ish "That Man" they do not refer to ... | |
| vegetarianism... | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: is it true that if i am a vegetarian i am 100% kosher 100% of the time? also, is it legal to trim ... A: The Torah tells us which foods are forbidden, but to know all the laws in their details we rely on ... | |
| Temple | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: Rabbi, G_d bless you and your family! Just to let you know up front, I will be asking this same ... A: G., I'm very sorry for the delay in responding, there was a death in our community and my ... | |
| Jewish history | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: My name is Bob, I live in the UK and I am seventy years old. Although I am not a Jew or a Christian ... A: I'm very sorry for the delay in responding, there was a death in our community and my thoughts were ... | |
| Torah Stories | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: I am sorry if you answered this questions yesterday. I put in my e-mail incorrectly so I didn't get ... A: If one believes that the Torah is from G-d then you have to believe that the stories are true. G-d ... | |
| Bible Storie | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I've been asked many times but I don't have an answer that I feel is adequate so can you please ... A: If one believes that the Torah is from G-d then you have to believe that the stories are true. G-d ... | |
| Jewish Ancestry | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: My nephew had recently gone to ancestry.com and found our background. My Grandmother maiden name on ... A: Katz is a very Jewish surname, usually indicating a family from the priestly line, similar to the ... | |
| afterlife | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: Shalom Rabbi, do Jews believe in heaven and if so, who goes? Do Jews belive in hell and if so, who ... A: Yes we believe in Heaven and Hell. Completely righteous individuals go to Heaven straight away. ... | |
| Creation | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: I am a Christian (worshipping in the Anglican tradition) I am studying theology (as my minor) at ... A: What you read in the beginning of Genesis is the true account of creation. Evolution runs contrary ... | |
| aliyah | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: Rabbi, I converted through a Conservative process about 8 years ago on my own--not for marriage. I ... A: If you are married to a Jewish man, I don't think the State of Israel cares about anything else. As ... | |
| Meaning of "sin" | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: Rabbi, we are accustomed to saying that on Yom Kipper we atone for our "sins". Is this the correct ... A: There are all kinds of different words for sins in Hebrew each one expresses a different meaning. ... | |
| head or body bobbing | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: I read or heard somewhere that Jews,sometime during the Muslim rule, were not allowed to ride upon ... A: The historical facts about the Muslims banning Jews from riding camels sounds right, but the theory ... | |
| blood/temple | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know about the sacrifices at the time of the passover in ancient Israel. I would ... A: Blood from the neck at the time of slaughter was collected in a basin, part of it was then sprinkled ... | |
| Women's Hair | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: I am an American girl who is considering converting to Judaism. I should add that I am involved with ... A: Jewish women cover their hair not because it is shameful but rather because of the laws of modesty. ... | |
| Kosher Cooking | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: Im new to this Kosher Diet. My husband is Jewish and I am not. I would just like to ask a few ... A: Kosher veal and beef is completely permissible. Chicken and milk was forbidden by the Rabbis. Kosher ... | |
| follow-up question on 12 gems | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: I think you may have left out the colour & properties of the gem belonging to Dan. What does it ... A: The color of Dan's stone was opal. The image upside down represented the idea that Dan turned things ... | |
| Gems of the 12 tribes | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: This comes from the book known as the Midrash. Each gem was appropriate to each tribe. A great ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering. 1.The Sages I was referring to were the leading Torah scholars of ... | |
| the banners and gems representing each of the 12 tribes | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: When the 12 tribes left Egypt, each had its own banners and the precious stones on the High Priest's ... A: This comes from the book known as the Midrash. Each gem was appropriate to each tribe. A great ... | |
| Memorising the Jewish scriptures | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I would like to find out, are Orthodox Jews required or strongly encouraged to memorise their entire ... A: The Oral Law is very expansive, but the main part is the Mishne which is very brief and then the ... | |
| the banners and gems representing each of the 12 tribes | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: When the 12 tribes left Egypt, each had its own banners and the precious stones on the High Priest's ... A: Here is the info you wanted for each tribe. No.1 is the emblem on the flag 2. is the colour of the ... | |
| Hebrew the original language | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: Can you verify if Hebrew was the original language before YHVH caused men to have different ... A: Yes, Hebrew was the original language with no rabbinical conflict on this point. Hebrew is different ... | |
| Memorising the Jewish scriptures | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: I would like to find out, are Orthodox Jews required or strongly encouraged to memorise their entire ... A: We are not required. Nevertheless it used to be done fairly effortlessly in previous generations. ... | |
| the death penalty... | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: under what laws in torah does it justify jewish men not carrying out the death penalty for crimes ... A: In order for a Jewish court to sit on a capital case the Sanhedrin (The Jewish High Court of 71 ... | |
| Noahide Laws | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I am currently taking Judaism classes online with a Rabbi. I love Judaism, every aspect of it and I ... A: Sorry for the delay in replying. Concerning attending synagogue you really have to ask the Rabbi ... | |
| general questions. | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: shalom rabbi.iam from india.i have some questions to you. 1.in exoduss 35:2 what was written in ... A: 1/ Do you want me to quote the Hebrew? 2/ So we should not have any distractions. 3/Look in the ... | |
| torah study while rabbie learning | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: In our shul there are two or three people who study loudly at the end of the table while our rabbi ... A: Of course they are wrong but unfortunately it doesn't seem like anything is going to stop them. You ... | |
| Next lIfe | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: It has been a long time since I asked a question but one has been bothering me. Two part question. ... A: The "will of G-d" is Jewish law (Torah)as it has been transmitted from Mount Sinai. Within this ... | |
| Bar Mitzvah & puberty | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: I understand that according to strict Jewish law in order for a boy to become a bar mitzvah he must ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering. Yes he his definitely eligible for a bar mitzvah. He just wouldn't ... | |
| the law of moses in relation to sex.. | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: in the Law of Moses, there is nothing againstg premarital sex. However, we are told to follow all ... A: Sorry for the delay in replying. In general you should know that intamicy is resrved for marriage. ... | |
| the law of moses in relation to sex.. | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: in the Law of Moses, there is nothing againstg premarital sex. However, we are told to follow all ... A: There are no loopholes. According to Jewish law you cannot be even alone with a women you are not ... | |
| What makes me Jewish? | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: My father is Jewish, but my mother was not born Jewish. At the age of 3, when her biological ... A: This is very straight forward. Your mother did not have to have been born Jewish for you to be ... | |
| conversion and non-Jewish family | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: I have a question regarding Christian family memberts and post conversion. Is it true that because ... A: Firstly not all forms of Christianity are idolatry ie the Protestant branch. Secondly if there is no ... | |
| conversion and non-jewish family | 1/2/2009 |
| Q: I've got a question regarding what happens post conversion to a converts interactions with their ... A: First a disclaimer : these questions should be directed to a real live Rav who knows everyone ... | |
| kohen convert marriage and children | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: I'm email to get your advise on a matter which I need some guidance on a situation I'm facing in ... A: Here are the answers to your questions:- 1)There are 2 types of forbidden marriages. One type (like ... | |
| the fear of God | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: when moses tells us to fear God does he mean to be scared of God? Because at Mt. Sinai he says ... A: There are two levels of fear of G-d. The first is fear of punishment and the second is being in awe ... | |
| Sabbath Commandment Ex 20 vs Darwin | 8/4/2008 |
| Q: My understanding is that Exodus 20:8-11 makes it pretty clear that we are to keep the 7th day ... A: "he assured me that the Orthodox Jews promote Darwinism as fact." Nothing could be further from the ... | |
| conversion.... | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: i am currently a 20 year old male of Japanese descent living in the UK and have been trying my ... A: I had German language teacher that used to call me a worm so we have something in common. The first ... | |
| Tallit | 7/11/2008 |
| Q: Why isn't the tallit worn on Rosh Hashsanna when it falls on sabbath? And is it true women are ... A: It is forbidden to carry things in the public domain on Shabbat. The Rabbis enacted that we don't ... | |
| Tallit | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: Why isn't the tallit worn on Rosh Hashsanna when it falls on sabbath? And is it true women are ... A: The tallit IS worn on Rosh hashanna even when it falls on shabbat (perhaps you are confusing it with ... | |
| shoah | 5/30/2008 |
| Q: With all the horrible things that were done to Jews during World War II what should Jews do? Should ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering. As a nation we go on. We don't forget what has happened but we ... | |
| revenge! | 5/24/2008 |
| Q: the jewish law says to not carry out revenge, but also to take an eye for an eye. are they not the ... A: Carrying out revenge can be even when you make a decision to deny someone some benefit based on them ... | |
| heart, soul, spirit | 5/3/2008 |
| Q: upon my reading of the Old Testament, i find it mentions the heart, the soul and the spirit. I ... A: These are very hard terms to define without seeing them in the context of a specific verse. So I ... | |
| Ten Commandments | 4/8/2008 |
| Q: The Commandments given to Moses I find in Exodux,20 and 34 and Deuteronomy 5. Exodus 20 and ... A: Very good questions! And sorry for the delay in answering them. The 10 commandments were written as ... | |
| Marriage question | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: B"H Rabbi, I was having a discussion with some work colleagues today and I told them that if your ... A: The reason why they want to see the Ketubah is so you can show evidence of being Jewish. In the old ... | |
| Emancipation of Children | 2/24/2008 |
| Q: What is the Jewish tradition with regards to the moral emancipation of children? When is a son or ... A: Firstly their is no command to "obey father and mother". However there are two other commandments: ... | |
| Tabernacle | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: I am a Christian minister, and I have studied the Tabernacle of Moses for over 15 years. According ... A: For sure the the prohibition was only in the Tabernacle itself not the Courtyard. I don't know when ... | |
| Exodus 20: 12 | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: I am Jewish and have something of a moral crisis regarding Exodus 20:12. For 17 years my father has ... A: Firstly your father can use a 3rd party to ask for forgiveness. Secondly where the sin committed was ... | |
| "dominion" in Gen. 1:26 | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: I have been asked to do a topical study on biblical stewardship of Creation. I have heard and read ... A: The verse cannot be taken out context. It begins by saying, "Let us make Man in Our image, after Our ... | |
| Where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob went when they diedd | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: I often hear it said that ancient Judaism held out no concept of an Afterlife. I'm not an expert on ... A: Sorry for the delay in replying. Yes you are right on target. We DEFINITELY believe in an ... | |
| The Sabbath | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: Shalom! I been pondering on the Sabbath & wondering really when did it begin. I understand that ... A: It is mentioned in the Midrash that Moses convinced Pharaoh to give us a day off and Moses chose the ... | |
| Chumash essay | 12/30/2007 |
| Q: I am not sure if I can post this here, but here goes...I have an essay for chumash to do-it has a ... A: Here are what I think are the answers:- 1)We learn Sefer Bereishis, even though it has very few ... | |
| The Sabbath | 12/30/2007 |
| Q: Shalom! I been pondering on the Sabbath & wondering really when did it begin. I understand that ... A: Moses had much more than just a vision on Mount Sinai, the whole nation heard G-d speaking to him. ... | |
| Old Testament | 12/23/2007 |
| Q: What are the roots of the Old Testament in the Jewish religion specifically concerned with ... A: Yes it was the whole nation that heard G-d speaking at Mount Sinai. Look at Exodus Ch.19 Verse 9. In ... | |
| music in the Temple | 12/18/2007 |
| Q: I was reading about instruments that were used in the temple and wonder why we don't use bells, ... A: The reason why musical instruments are not used in the synagogue on Shabbat is because they are ... | |
| Old Testament | 12/18/2007 |
| Q: What are the roots of the Old Testament in the Jewish religion specifically concerned with ... A: The term Old Testament comes from the Christians and is actually an insulting term to use to an ... | |
| The Commandments | 12/16/2007 |
| Q: Rabbi Fox, One last question, and then I'll stop badgering you. You mentioned that without ... A: You couldn't have picked a better proof for me. What does it mean "For this commandment", according ... | |
| Cain and Abel | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: I have a three-part question. After Cain slew Abel, Cain said: "..it will come to pass, that every ... A: Was machte Yid? You have a very lively mind. Eternal life would have been down here. The sin of ... | |
| Exodus 20: 12 | 12/11/2007 |
| Q: I have always been... uneasy... over the question of translations--whether of religious or secular ... A: The translation I have is as follows:- Honor your father and your mother, so that your days will be ... | |
| Cain and Abel | 12/11/2007 |
| Q: I have a three-part question. After Cain slew Abel, Cain said: "..it will come to pass, that every ... A: 1/If you look back at answer 1/ you will see that I did address that issue. He was thinking of the ... | |
| Cain and Abel | 12/9/2007 |
| Q: I have a three-part question. After Cain slew Abel, Cain said: "..it will come to pass, that every ... A: Here are your answers:- 1/From tradition we know that Cain and Abel had twin sisters. However Cain ... | |
| Stoning | 11/3/2007 |
| Q: Why were people stoned to death? Was it for just one sin or for iniquities? A: People were stoned for only certain serious sins like adultery and the desecration of Shabbat. It ... | |
| i feel bad and need someone to talk to... | 10/12/2007 |
| Q: i'm askin' you, rabbi, because i am jewish. i am constantly feeling bad because this is my ... A: I am sorry to hear you are going through a hard time. You don't need to feel guilty at all, neither ... | |
| A Few Questions | 10/6/2007 |
| Q: I am a Christian, but I really enjoy getting Jewish perspective on the Bible. I have a few questions ... A: Good questions. 1/Well, from the fact that the serpent was cursed that it should go on it's belly, ... | |
| rituals in the home | 10/3/2007 |
| Q: i was just wondering if you could help me with some coursework i am currently doing, and give me ... A: Do rituals strengthen the Jewish family? For sure, and I will tell you why. If each person in the ... | |
| Honor/ respsect/ love thy children? | 9/2/2007 |
| Q: I hope that this is not a case where "one fool can ask a question that a thousand sages cannot ... A: I am sorry for the delay in replying to you. I found your question very thought provoking and I have ... | |
| weddings | 8/18/2007 |
| Q: hey i was wondering if you would be able to give me the main script to a jewish wedding. Not the ... A: The wedding ceremony basically starts with the Rabbi saying the blessing for marriage This begins ... | |
| kavanah | 8/16/2007 |
| Q: I listen to a radio program in the morning called JM in the AM. They have a feature every day called ... A: Firstly let me make something clear. When we talk about "kavanah" there are two areas. 1/ Intent for ... | |
| Dress Code | 8/13/2007 |
| Q: Why are orthodox Jewish women required to dress a certain way? A: Actually everyone is required to dress a certain way. Even the non-conformist has to dress like a ... | |
| Sun around Earth | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: Does the Torah say the Sun revolves around the Earth? A: The Torah talks about the sun going up and down, but this is because it speaks in way we can easily ... | |
| Purity of body | 5/27/2007 |
| Q: Are there everyday activities that one dedicates to a place on the body relating to purity and ... A: That is exactly what Judaism is all about, taking the mundane and using it for the holy. The mouth ... | |
| Torah/Talmud Questions for comparative study | 5/16/2007 |
| Q: I lead a study group at our church (non-denominational Christian). Many in our congregation are new ... A: 1/ These are still very serious sins. The death penalty can only be administered when we have the ... | |
| vav | 4/27/2007 |
| Q: Is there any significance of the 7 or 8 pages of the Torah that do not begin with 'and'? Thanks and ... A: That is a very good observation. I presume that when you refer to "pages" you mean parshas. The ... | |
| Am I a Jew? | 4/16/2007 |
| Q: "Hi, I am very confused over the distinction between being an ethnic Jew as opposed to an active ... A: Firstly a disclaimer: I cannot take responsibility for answering such a specific question over the ... | |
| creation | 4/1/2007 |
| Q: I understand that orthodox jews in the past took the creation as literal 24 hour days. But have ... A: This view that you are posting is certainly a valid view. In fact the sun wasn't even created till ... | |
| Sin | 3/27/2007 |
| Q: Q- Why will there be a need for a "sin, guilt, peace and inauguration offerings during the Messianic ... A: I can only add the following: that there have been righteous Jews through out the exile that have ... | |
| Sephard vs Ashkenaz Chumash and Siddur | 3/27/2007 |
| Q: Can you please tell me what the difference is between them? I would like to buy a Torah but I do not ... A: There are a lot of differences between the Sefard and Ashkenaz siddurim in terms of the text. It ... | |
| Chad Gad-Yah | 3/26/2007 |
| Q: I hope you are able to answer this question. My husband and I have moved away from family (1500 ... A: There are many explanations of Chad Gad Ya. The one I will tell you is from the Vilna Goan. Chad ... | |
| Story of Lot | 3/19/2007 |
| Q: I am intrested to know if the names of Lot daughters are mentioned in the torah and if not why not? A: No their names are not mentioned in the Torah. A name, according to the Torah, is not just a way a ... | |
| Offering | 3/6/2007 |
| Q: Yes, it does....but can you tell me how this is translated for today(if at all). I mean "today" we ... A: I am glad I was able to answer your question. The only way to deal with sin today is through ... | |
| Elijah | 3/6/2007 |
| Q: Q- Regarding these two passages: -Is this literal, and is this the same Elijah spoken of in the ... A: Elijah taken up to heaven in a whirlwind is to be taken literally and it is the same Elijah ... | |
| Offering | 3/6/2007 |
| Q: Shalom- Lev 5:1 says, “IF a person sins in hearing the utterance of an oath, and is a witness, ... A: There are other people mentioned that have to bring this guilt-offering (verses 2-4) then in Verse 5 ... | |
| Giving | 2/28/2007 |
| Q: One more question and hopefully I will have enough to really finish. What would you suggest in a ... A: Firstly thanks for your nice comments and ratings. In answer to your question, the half shekel ... | |
| Giving | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: Do you have the scripture references for each offering and is it still practiced that way today? I ... A: Glad it was helpful. These tithes should not be considered offerings but rather as gifts or ... | |
| Giving | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: I have been trying to gather information about how the levites handled the tithes that were brought ... A: The tithes that the Levites received were for themselves not for the Cohen (priest) or the upkeep of ... | |
Orthodox Judaism
Answers by Expert:
Rabbi Yechezkel Fox
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
My main area of expertise that I can answer questions is on the Chumash, the Five Books of Moses. I am also qualified to answer questions on Jewish Law and Outlook.
Experience
I have been teaching Chumash in a Yeshiva for over 15 years. As a practicing Rabbi I have been answering questions on Jewish Law and Outlook for over 10 years.
Publications
In the "This Week In The Torah" section on WWW.e-geress.org
Education/Credentials
I am an ordained Rabbi and a teacher in a yeshiva
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